Questions about tailor's ham and other ironing aids

[BigBrother]

I'm getting more and more into ironing/pressing at home (this is mostly for menswear.) My latest purchase was a clapper and now I'm really interested in a tailor's ham, seam roll, sleeve board, and possibly other aids! So I have some questions for you knowledgeable folk out there...

1. Are there any essential aids you'd recommend besides these? This would predominantly be for suits, trousers, shirts, etc.

2. When it comes to hams or pillows, I feel like the ones I'm finding online are too small. If you have a look here at 21:00:

you'll see he uses a neat little stand and a large pillow. Things like this would be great for the seat of pants, shoulders of shirts, etc. I suppose I could find such things from other sources, but do you know if there are anything like these made for ironing with specific names?

Thanks so much!

 

[Omri L]

Depending on what fabrics you’re dealing with, you might want to get some kind of press cloth. Delicate fabrics like silk require a piece of cotton or something between them and the iron. More info here: https://wendyward.wordpress.com/2016/01/26/what-is-a-pressing-cloth-and-why-you-should-use-one/

You could also try making or getting an iron shoe, which is basically a press cloth that goes on the iron so you don’t have to move around a separate cloth. Cheesecloth can be used if you need something to hold extra moisture.

 

[BigBrother]

Depending on what fabrics you’re dealing with, you might want to get some kind of press cloth. Delicate fabrics like silk require a piece of cotton or something between them and the iron. More info here: https://wendyward.wordpress.com/2016/01/26/what-is-a-pressing-cloth-and-why-you-should-use-one/

You could also try making or getting an iron shoe, which is basically a press cloth that goes on the iron so you don’t have to move around a separate cloth. Cheesecloth can be used if you need something to hold extra moisture.

Oh, if you see my thread here:

https://forums.vintagefashionguild....-needed-for-an-iron-and-this-technique.81174/

I've basically given up on direct ironing. I just don't see the point. I think I much prefer, at this point, using steam and then pressing with a clapper. Well, for wool and other delicates, at least. Cotton will get normal ironing treatment.